Empowerment And Child Care Center Opens In East L.A.

LOS ANGELES, -- Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and YWCA Greater Los Angeles CEOFaye Washington will be joined by East Los Angeles residents to dedicate the new YWCA Greater Los Angeles Union Pacific Empowerment Center (UPEC) during a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony (10:30am) and neighborhood block party (10:00am– 2:00pm) at 4315 Union Pacific Avenue, East L.A. 90023, Saturday, May 15, 2010.  

"We are proud of the involvement of our East Los Angeles residents who helped shape this model, state-of-the-art Empowerment and Child Care center," said Molina.  "The comprehensive programs and services offered by the YWCA Greater Los Angeles in this culturally empowering facility will enrich the lives of our community's children and families."

The day's festivities will kick off with the official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony with Supervisor Gloria Molina and YWCA Greater Los Angeles CEO Faye Washington, and proceed with a fun lineup of activities and attractions for the entire family including face painting, free food, live performances, special appearances, vendor booths, cooking demonstrations and tours of the UPEC facility.  

"Our parents aren't just dropping off kids - we are gearing up to provide them with services as identified by them.  Once we ascertained the community needed more than childcare services, we formed an Empowerment Council which includes fifteen members from the East Los Angeles community.  The Empowerment Council has offered critical direction for programs that we are now implementing," stated Faye Washington.  "One focus that materialized out of the Empowerment Council meetings was the need for senior programming. There will be many offerings for this population including congregate meals, activities, socializing, exercise, and language classes."

The UPEC facility offers services and programs in (1) Early Childhood and Education; (2) Youth Empowerment and Leadership; (3) Senior Services; (4) Special Needs; (5) Computer Lab and Internet Cafe, sponsored by Edison International; (6) Community Cohesion and Empowerment.  In addition, the Center will offer computer training, language classes, financial education, and parenting classes.  

For more information about UPEC programs and registration, contact 323-415-6057.  

SOURCE The YWCA Greater Los Angeles